Where to Begin When Setting Dental Goals

Posted on 10/20/2018 by Doctor Schwei

If you have dental goals, it can be overwhelming to think about where to begin. You may want to improve your smile or have whiter teeth. Or you may want to come back to our office after a long absence to finally take care of that toothache.

Wherever your area when it comes to your oral health, we can help you set reasonable dental goals.

Oral Hygiene Improvement

Your oral hygiene routine should be at the top of any dental goals you set for yourself. Preventing tooth decay starts at home, and you are the first line of defense in keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

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Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush for at least two-minutes is the bare minimum you should be doing at home. If you can afford it, investing in an electric toothbrush could benefit you as well. You can ask us what the best brands are, and we can give you the information you need to make a smart choice.

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Flossing is second and equally important. Brushing is essential, but if you don't take out all the food particles that are stuck between your teeth, you will still get cavities. To do a thorough cleaning of your teeth, you must floss, preferably once each day. Do it in the morning, when you are not tired, so you don't lose your motivation. We also highly recommend using a Waterpik if you can afford the expense. It will be one of the best investments you ever made. This useful tool gets to spaces even the floss can' reach.

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Visit us regularly. Along with proper dental home care, not skipping on your regular cleaning appointments is essential to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Sometimes patients who follow all the primary oral care, still get cavities or other conditions such as gum disease because of genetics or other health conditions. It's imperative that you come to see us twice a year or as frequently as our dentist recommends.

These are some basic dental goals you can set for yourself. If you have other objectives you want to reach, such as improving your smile or whitening your teeth, we can also help you with those.